It was a morning of performances as the House of Assembly spent an hour and half giving their condolences and congratulations on Friday.

Overwhelming support came from both sides for Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe on the 40th anniversary of his election as an MP.

The previous evening Premier Ewart Brown threw Mr. Lowe a dinner for his anniversary and presented him with a cedar chair, which is in the Speaker's quarters at the House.

In response Mr. Lowe said: "It seems almost like yesterday. I do thank you for the congratulations you have paid me.

"If I can do something for somebody along the way then my service in this Chamber to the development of Bermuda will not have been in vain."

Opposition Whip, John Barritt stood to give what he said the Opposition rarely does – a bouquet to The Royal Gazette for a story on the front page last week.

Bernella Williams has raised eight successful sons, almost single-handedly and Mr. Barritt said work and sacrifice like that should be commended.

A moment of lightheartedness also arose when Dr. Brown sang a song for Marathon Derby legend the late 'Sir' Stanley Burgess, which he said would be recognised by those who have lived in Flatts.

It started: "Stanley Burgess had a goat and tied him on the hill."

Then proceedings paused as a film crew from Radio One and Television One, a Washington DC group, came to film the House of Assembly in session as part of a documentary on Bermuda.

The Premier was encouraged by the Speaker to stand and act like he was doing something, which drew laughter from both sides.

He also delivered a speech on the ticket sales for the Bermuda Music Festival, which the Premier said had sold out.

Other congratulations were extended to Jason Eddy, a Bermudian actor who has received rave reviews from critics for his performance in the Shakesperian play, the Tempest.